UTICA, NY - The Utica University women's basketball team fell to the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles by a score of 97-78 on Friday evening. 

Leading the way for the Pioneers was Vanessa Hall (Independence, NY/Whitesville Central) with 29 points on the evening (12-16 FG, 3-4 3pt, 2-3 FT), followed by McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) (16pts, 5-11 FG, 2-4 3pt, 4-6 FT), and Carly Atty (Tribes Hill, NY/Fonda-Fultonville) (11pts, 4-5 FG, 3-4 3pt). Hall paced the rebounding efforts for the Pioneers with a team leading 13 on the evening, followed by Simmons and Natalie Cornell (Greenwood, NY/Jasper-Troupsburg) who each managed to haul in five. Defensively, Simmons led the way with three steals on the evening, while Hall, Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central), and Jayla Bell (Lyons, NY/Lyons) each nabbed one. Madison LaDuke (Massena, NY/Massena Central) also got involved defensively, registering the team's only block. 

Utica opened the game confidently, striking first with a Simmons three off a Atty assist. Hall followed by attacking the paint, but Brockport used pressure defense to force turnovers and turn them into transition points. Even as Brockport built separation with threes and inside finishes, Utica continued to look for offense inside, with Hall and Cornell generating looks at the rim. Brockport's late free throws and a tip-in pushed the score to 27–10 at the end of the quarter, but Utica stayed aggressive offensively despite the deficit.


The Pioneers responded with their best stretch of the half, tightening defensively and converting stops into offense. Hall continued to finish inside, Emma Simmons (Unadilla, NY/Sidney Central) added a jumper, and Atty knocked down a key three to spark momentum. Utica's ball movement improved, and the Pioneers steadily chipped away at the lead. A strong run brought Utica all the way back within one at 36–35, showing resilience and composure before Brockport hit a late basket to slightly extend the margin heading into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Utica carried that energy forward. Atty opened the scoring with a three, Hall added a fastbreak layup, and Cornell provided steady production in the paint as the Pioneers continued to push the pace. Utica traded baskets throughout the quarter, answering Brockport runs with interior scoring and timely perimeter looks. While Brockport maintained a slim cushion, Utica consistently kept the game within reach by attacking the lane and staying active on the glass.

Utica continued to battle in the final quarter, leaning on Hall's scoring from both inside and beyond the arc. Madison Marusic (Herkimer, NY/Herkimer) added a three, McKenzie Simmons (Red Hook, NY/Red Hook) finished through contact, and the Pioneers continued to generate second-chance opportunities to keep pressure on Brockport. Utica's shot-making allowed them to trade punches down the stretch, but Brockport's ability to convert at the free-throw line and capitalize on extra possessions ultimately held off the comeback. 

Utica (5-9, 1-4 Empire 8) returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, January 17 as the team hosts SUNY Geneseo. Tip off from Miga Court inside the Clark Athletic Center is set for 2pm.